UPDATE 3-Cairo says Iran has not appointed Egypt ambassador

CAIRO, April 19 (Reuters) - Egypt said on Tuesday Iran had
not appointed an ambassador to Cairo, denying a news report that
the two countries had restored diplomatic relations after more
than 30 years of hostility.

The website of Iran's Press TV earlier reported that Tehran
had appointed Ali Akbar Sibuyeh, a career diplomat who is the
son of a senior cleric, as envoy to Cairo.

Mainly Sunni Muslim Egypt and predominantly Shi'ite Iran are
among the biggest and most influential countries in the Middle
East. Ties between the countries were severed in 1980 following
Iran's Islamic revolution and Egypt's recognition of Israel.

There have been signs of warming relations since mass
protests deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in February.

"This report is absolutely incorrect," Egypt's foreign
ministry said in a statement on the state news agency MENA.
"Diplomatic relations have not yet been resumed."

Iran's foreign ministry also declined to confirm the report,
saying it was "guesswork".

Egypt's foreign minister said earlier this month Cairo was
ready to re-establish diplomatic ties, signalling a shift in
Iran policy since the fall of Mubarak.

In February, two Iranian warships passed through Egypt's
Suez Canal after approval from the military rulers in Cairo.
Israel called Iran's move a provocation.
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